Final answer:
According to Social Penetration Theory, the information we choose to disclose is managed by our own self-set rules. Self-disclosure is a gradual process mediated by trust and influenced by cognitive biases such as confirmation bias. The theory holds relevance in the context of modern information overload and our efforts to maintain a consistent self-image.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Social Penetration Theory, the information we choose to disclose is managed by our own self-set rules. This theory suggests that self-disclosure occurs in relationships in a graduated and orderly fashion as trust is built between individuals. It posits that people strategically manage their personal information by setting boundaries through implicit or explicit rules.
The process of revealing oneself selectively and thoughtfully to others aligns with the idea of scripting one's knowledge about the sequence of events in specific social settings. Furthermore, the theory considers the implications of self-disclosure: while it can lead to improved self-regulation and changes in perception, it can also result in self-fulfilling prophecies.
Our ability to disclose information is also linked to cognitive biases such as the tendency to focus on information that confirms our existing beliefs or confirmation bias. As we navigate the information overload in today's Information Age, the choices we make, including what we share about ourselves, are based on the available information at any given moment. These decisions are further complicated by societal pressures, stereotypes, and our internal desires to maintain consistent beliefs, as explained by the concept of Cognitive Dissonance.